Dean, Faculty of Engineering{
McMaster University (“McMaster”) – based in Hamilton, Ontario – invites applications and nominations for the appointment of its next Dean, Faculty of Engineering (“Dean”). The appointment is for a five-year term, renewable once and will commence on or around July 1, 2022.
Ranked among the world’s top engineering schools, the Faculty of Engineering plays a significant role in McMaster’s reputation as one of Canada’s most innovative universities. McMaster is one of only four Canadian universities to be listed in the World's Top 80 universities and consistently ranks among the country’s most research-intensive universities, ranking first for four consecutive years (2017–2020). These distinctions have earned McMaster an international reputation as a research powerhouse and helped to attract more than 34,000 undergraduate and 5,600 graduate students (2021/22) from around the globe. McMaster students benefit from the University’s interdisciplinary approach to research and the opportunity to work with and learn from diverse scholars – some 1,000 faculty members – and are supported by the 10,000 staff who call McMaster home.
One of Canada’s U15 institutions, McMaster is also the only Canadian member of the U21 international group of research-intensive universities. McMaster’s commitment to excellence in research is evidenced through its impressive research resources with a total research income of $353.5 million, with nearly one-third coming from the corporate sector – an indicator of the value McMaster’s partners place in its people and research. McMaster is committed to using its research to advance human and societal health and well-being, and the Faculty of Engineering plays a key role in advancing this commitment. McMaster is also one of 23 Canadian Institutions that have signed the Okanagan Charter, signifying a commitment to integrating wellness into all aspects of campus life.
Distinctly, McMaster is known for its innovative teaching and learning. The aspirations of a new Teaching and Learning Strategy, developed in 2021 is brightly reflected in the Faculty’s re-engineered educational approach. “The Pivot”, introduced in 2020, is the first program of its kind in Canada. It is intensely focused on how McMaster’s engineering students learn, emphasizing design thinking, an innovation mindset and entrepreneurship in an integrated learning experience. Students learn in the context of grand challenges and are encouraged to view and find solutions to complex problems with a multidisciplinary lens. The Faculty’s 7,500 undergraduate and 1,250 graduate students will be uniquely able to enter the workforce thanks to the Pivot and other innovative and student-centred approaches.
This is an exceptional opportunity for a visionary academic leader who will continue to advance the Faculty, consistent with its commitment to excellence and innovation in education, research, and community engagement. The Dean is an important member of the senior leadership team of the University and reports to the Provost and Vice-President (Academic). The Dean is the academic and administrative leader of the Faculty and will be responsible for advancing the national and international reach and stature of the Faculty through faculty recruitment, program development, promotion of high-impact research, and community and alumni engagement. The Faculty values its connection with the Engineering profession, and the Dean is responsible for leading the accreditation of the 19 engineering programs in the Faculty.
The successful candidate must be an accomplished scholar, possessing a strong record of academic and research achievements. Candidates must hold a PhD, be appointable at the rank of full professor, and must either hold a P.Eng. in Ontario or be able to obtain such licensure. The successful candidate must also have academic leadership experience. The leadership style and attributes which will benefit the successful candidate include being an effective collaborator and communicator, an advocate of equity, diversity, inclusion, accessibility and Indigeneity, an engaging problem solver and empowering team-builder. The ideal candidate will have experience and interest in transforming the student experience, advancing inclusive excellence, engaging in advancement and development, creating a culture of collaboration, and innovation, and fostering risk-taking and big ideas. They will demonstrate a deep commitment to teaching and learning, research excellence, student success, community engagement and educating a new generation of global citizens ready to tackle the world’s grand challenges.
McMaster has been selected as a Hamilton-Niagara Top Employer for the past five years in a row and has also been recognized as one of Canada's Best Diversity Employers 2019. The diversity of the McMaster workforce is at the core of its innovation and creativity and strengthens its research and teaching excellence. The University seeks qualified candidates who share McMasters’ commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, accessibility and indigenization. While all qualified candidates are invited to apply, McMaster particularly welcome applications from women, persons with disabilities, First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples, members of racialized communities, and LGBTQ+ persons.
All applicants are asked to complete a confidential Diversity Survey as part of the application submission process. The survey questions are voluntary, and the entire survey will take approximately two minutes to complete. All information collected is confidential and will be used to support efforts to broaden the diversity of the applicant pool and to promote a fair, equitable and inclusive talent acquisition process. The survey link will be provided at the time of application. All qualified candidates are welcome to apply; however, priority will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents.
To apply or explore this Decanal opportunity with McMaster University, please submit a curriculum vitae along with a cover letter in confidence to Jane Griffith (jane@griffithgroup.ca) and Sam Walton (sam@griffithgroup.ca).
In accordance with the provincial legislation, accommodation will be provided by Griffith Group and McMaster University throughout the recruitment, selection and/or assessment process, upon request, to applicants with disabilities. If you require accommodations during the recruitment process, please contact jane@griffithgroup.ca and/or sam@griffithgroup.ca.
McMaster University recognizes and acknowledges that it is located on the traditional territories of the Mississauga and Haudenosaunee nations, and within the lands protected by the Dish With One Spoon wampum agreement.